Snap-on personal storage devices

ABSTRACT

A removable storage device is provided for enabling storage of personal articles on the person of a user. The device includes a pair of snap fit elements. One element includes a recess for receiving a portion of the other element as a snap fit therein so as to permit a portion of an article of clothing worn by the user to be captured between the elements when the elements are snap fit together to thereby removably affix the elements to the article of clothing. One of the snap fit elements includes a support member or arrangement (e.g., a D-ring or a pocket) for supporting a personal article.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for providing storage onthe person of a user of small articles or personal affects such aseyeglasses, identification cards, keys, checkbooks, cash, cell phonesand the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] People routinely carry on their person a variety of personalaffects during the course of their daily lives. Some items such as thosementioned above are essential enough that people wish to transport theseitems even when they are wearing clothing without pockets and carryingbags are not available or are impractical. It will be appreciated thatas modern dress becomes more casual, articles of clothing withoutpockets have become more common even in office settings. In this regard,tee shirts, polo shirts, golf shirts, shorts and casual pants andtrousers of various types without pockets are now worn on many occasionsand thus, the problem of conveniently transporting small personal itemshas become more acute.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, a snapfastener device is provided for supporting a personal article or item,such as a pair of eyeglasses, keys, a pen or other writing implement, acell phone or any one of a number of other relatively small personalaffects, on an article of apparel without piercing or otherwise damagingthe article of apparel. Thus, by snapping or securing the fastenerdevice in place on the article of apparel, one or more of such personalaffects can be supported by the device and thus carried on the person ofthe user.

[0004] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a removablestorage device is provided for enabling storage of personal articles onthe person of a user, the device comprising: first and second snap fitelements, the first element including a recess therein for receiving aportion of the second element as a snap fit therein so as to permit aportion of an article of clothing worn by the user to be capturedbetween said elements when said elements are snap fit together tothereby removably affix the elements to the article of clothing, and oneof the snap fit elements including supporting means for supporting apersonal article thereon so that the article can be carried on thepersonal article of clothing.

[0005] The supporting means can take a number of different forms and inone preferred embodiment, the supporting means comprises a membermounted on said one element so as to create a space between that memberand the one element for receiving at least a portion of the personalarticle. In another embodiment, the supporting means comprises a ringmember. In yet another embodiment, the supporting means comprises achain member. In still another embodiment, the supporting meanscomprises a pocket affixed to said one element.

[0006] In a further embodiment, the supporting means comprises a D-ringaffixed to the one element. Preferably, the second member comprises afront snap fit member adapted to be disposed on the outside of thearticle of clothing and comprising a first substantially cylindricalsnap fit portion and a further, raised front portion to which the D-ringis affixed and the first element comprises a rear snap fit memberadapted to be disposed on the inside of the article of clothing andincluding a substantially cylindrical recess therein for, in use,receiving the substantially cylindrical snap fit portion of the secondmember. Advantageously, the raised portion includes spaced raised partsdefining a recessed gap therebetween and receiving opposed ends of saidD-ring.

[0007] In a further important embodiment, the device of the inventionfurther comprises a connecting member extending between the first andsecond elements and being foldable, in use, around an edge portion ofthe article of clothing so as to fit around the end of a shirt sleeve orthe hem of a pair of shorts. In one implementation, the connector memberincludes first and second openings in opposite end portions thereof forrespectively receiving the first and second snap fit elements. Inanother implementation, at least one of the snap fit elements is formedintegrally with the connecting member while in another, both of saidsnap fit elements are formed integrally with said connecting member.Preferably, the article supporting means of this embodiment comprises anarticle supporting portion of the connecting member. The articlesupporting portion preferably comprises a backing member including oneof said snap fit elements and a pocket portion affixed to the backingmember. Advantageously, the pocket portion includes an elasticized edgeportion. The pocket portion beneficially includes at least one pleattherein. Advantageously, the pocket portion includes an external pocketfor holding a writing implement. In a preferred embodiment, theconnecting member further comprises a tongue portion and a live hingedisposed between the tongue portion and the backing portion.Advantageously, the tongue portion includes window therein for receivingan identification tag.

[0008] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention which wasforeshadowed above, a storage device is provided for enabling storage ofpersonal articles on the person of a user of the device, the devicecomprising: a pocket portion for receiving at least one personalarticle, said pocket portion including a first snap fit element; and aconnecting portion hingedly affixed to the pocket portion and includinga second snap fit element, one of the first and second snap fit elementsincluding a recess therein for receiving a part of the other of the snapfit elements as a snap fit therein so as to permit a portion of anarticle of clothing worn by the user to be captured between the firstand second elements to thereby removably affix the elements, and thusthe pocket portion, to the article of clothing.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the present invention will beset forth in, or apparent from, the detailed description of preferredembodiments thereof which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the snapfastener device of the invention prior to affixing of the elementsthereof to a portion of an article of apparel;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the device of FIG. 1, showingthe device as affixed in place;

[0012]FIGS. 3 and 4 are a top plan view and a cross sectional view,respectively, of one preferred embodiment of one of the fastenerelements of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0013]FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 2 showing afurther embodiment of the invention;

[0014]FIG. 6(a) is a top plan view of a further embodiment of thefastener element of FIGS. 3 and 4;

[0015]FIG. 6(b) is a cross sectional view taken generally along line A-Aof FIG. 6(a);

[0016] FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) are a top plan view and side elevational viewrespectively of a preferred embodiment of the other snap fit element ofthe fastener device of the invention;

[0017]FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a further embodiment of theinvention;

[0018]FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of an additional embodiment ofthe invention;

[0019]FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of yet another embodiment ofthe invention;

[0020]FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of still another embodiment ofthe invention;

[0021]FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of a further embodiment of theinvention;

[0022]FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of yet another embodiment of thefastener device of the invention, showing the device as about to receivea pair of eyeglasses;

[0023]FIG. 14 is a front elevational view, partially broken away, of thedevice of FIG. 13;

[0024]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 14, showingadditional features thereof;

[0025]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the backing member of FIG. 14;

[0026]FIG. 17 is a detail of an alternative embodiment of the device ofFIG. 16, drawn to an enlarged scale; and

[0027]FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the backing member of FIG. 16.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first preferred embodiment of theinvention is shown. In this embodiment, the storage device of theinvention, which is generally denoted 10, comprises first and secondsnap fit elements 12 and 14. As indicated above, snap fit elements 12and 14 are adapted to be snap fit together so as to capture therebetweena portion of material M (e.g., shirting material) of an article ofapparel such as a tee shirt. Elements 12 and 14 are preferably machinedor molded from plastic although other materials can be used.

[0029] In the implementation illustrated, snap fit element 12, which isshown in somewhat more detail in FIGS. 3 and 4, is adapted to bedisposed inside the article of apparel and thus serves as the rear orinterior snap fit element. As shown, element 12 is of a generallycylindrical shape and includes a central recess 12 a formed by acylindrical side wall 12 b and a flat bottom wall 12 c including acentral aperture 12 d. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the side wall 12 b mayinclude a series of radially extending, circumferentially spaced slots12 e so as to increase the resilience or flexibility of side wall 12 b.

[0030] In the implementation illustrated, the snap fit element 14 isalso generally cylindrical in shape. Snap fit element 14 is adapted tobe disposed on the outside of the captured material M of the article ofapparel and thus serves as the front or exterior snap fit element.Element 14 includes a base or rear portion 14 a which is received inrecess 12 a of element 12 and which, in this embodiment, includes acircumferential groove 14 b in the outer lateral wall surface thereof.An outer raised portion 14 c includes spaced posts 14 d and 14 e whichreceive the opposite ends of a D-ring 16 and which define a recessedarea 14 f therebetween. As indicated in FIG. 1, D-ring 16 is adapted toreceive a personal article, represented by a portion of an eyeglassestemple piece denoted E. Thus, with the illustrated arrangement, theeyeglasses or other personal article of the user can be hung from, orotherwise supported by, device 10 when device 10 is affixed to anarticle of apparel.

[0031] It will be understood that the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4,and including a D-ring 16, can be modified to employ a different form orkind of support element in place of D-ring 16. For example, as shown inFIG. 5, element 14 can include a post 14 g which serves to create aspace between base portion 14 a and an outer member and portion 14 hwhich may, for example, be of a decorative shape. In this regard, baseportion 14 a creates a platform or base for creating a pleasing ordecorative design so that device 10 can also function as a piece ofjewelry, or, because of the special shape and/or appearance of baseportion 14 a or an additional portion or member mounted thereon, anovelty or curiosity provoking item, or, with selected graphics, as apromotional item. This is discussed further below in connection withFIGS. 8 to 12.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) and FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), thereis shown a further embodiment of the personal storage device of theinvention. In this embodiment, the first snap fit element is denoted 18and as illustrated, includes a central recess 18 a defined by acircumferential wall portion 18 b and a bottom or base portion 18 c.Wall portion 18 b includes a radial gap 18 d therein shown in FIG. 6(a).As shown in FIG. 6(b), wall portion 18 b also includes an inwardlyfacing circumferential projection 18 e. Bottom portion 18 e includes acentral opening 18 f and a pair of oppositely disposed, arcuate openings18 g and 18 h.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) in this embodiment, the second orouter member, which is denoted 20, is of a generally toroidal shape andincludes a circumferential groove 20 a which is adapted to receive theinwardly facing circumferential projection 18 e.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 8, a further embodiment of the invention isshown. As illustrated, and as discussed above in connection with FIG. 5,the outward appearance of the storage device of the invention is notlimited by the shape of the snap fit elements (and, indeed, theseelements do not have to be circular in shape), and in FIG. 8, atriangular backing member 22 is provided, with a V-shaped front member24 mounted in spaced relation thereon. An openable circular spring clip26 is received between members 22 and 24 and, in the embodiment shown,supports a plastic credit card holder C or the like.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 9, a further embodiment is shown wherein adecorative, generally Y-shaped member 28 is mounted on a backing member30 in spaced relation thereto. The spacing between members 28 and 30serves as a means for supporting a personal article, e.g., eyeglassessuch as reading glasses or sunglasses. Again, this embodiment isintended to underscore the discussion above that a storage device inaccordance with the invention can have an attractive appearance whilealso serving its intended function as a personal article storage orsupport device.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 10, yet another embodiment of the invention isshown which includes another form of article support. In thisembodiment, an article support element is provided in the form of aD-ring 32 attached by a hinge or pivot element 34 so as to pivot withrespect to an outer member 36 of the front support element (not seen inFIG. 10). Although not limited to the configuration shown, thisembodiment also includes a light screen 36 which can be turned on andoff by a control switch indicated at 38 so as to provide light for,e.g., locating an object, and can be set into a blinking mode by afurther control switch indicated at 40.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 11, a further embodiment is shown wherein thedevice constitutes, or simulates, a piece of jewelry. The deviceincludes a front facing member of element 42 of a circular shape,similar to a circle pin, and an article support member is formed by asmall chain 44 extending between opposite sides of member 42.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 12, yet another embodiment is shown wherein theouter appearance of the device is similar to that of the pins which arecommonly sold at sports stadiums and includes an outer circumferentialportion 46 and an inner central portion 48 containing, e.g., a sportslogo. A simple curved support element 50 extends between opposite sidesof outer portion 46. It will, of course, be appreciated that the centralportion 48 can include any kind of graphics or pictorialrepresentations, including pictures of famous personages, cartooncharacters, written messages of various kinds, etc.

[0039] Again, with respect to FIGS. 8 to 12, it will be understood thatthe foregoing are merely a small sampling of the possibilities regardingthe outward appearance presented by the device of the invention.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 15, a further embodiment of theinvention is shown. As illustrated in FIG. 13, in this embodiment, anouter pocket or pouch 52 is provided which is adapted to receive apersonal article or articles such as a pair of eyeglasses indicated atE. Pocket or pouch 52 can be made of any suitable material includingsewn fabric, heat sealed vinyl and the like. This embodiment uses a pairof snap fit elements 54 and 56 which can be similar to those describedabove and which, as described hereinbefore, are snap fit together tocapture material of an article of apparel therebetween so as to supportpouch 52 on the article of apparel.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, pocket or pouch 52 is mounted on abacking member which is best seen in FIG. 16 and which is shown in aplan view in FIG. 18 as having a generally arcuate shape including acentral portion 58 a and offset lateral portions 58 b. Backing member 58is formed integrally with a tongue member 60 and is connected thereto bya foldable or otherwise resilient flexible connection shown here as aliving hinge 62. Tongue member 60 includes an opening or window 64therein in which an identification card or the like, indicated at 66,may be inserted.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 16, a portion of tongue 60 adjacent hinge 62preferably includes teeth to provide enhanced gripping of the materialor fabric in contact therewith. In this regard, the device of thisembodiment is particularly adapted to be supported at the edge of asleeve or the hem of a pair of shorts with the tongue 60 and snapelement 54 on the inside so that, in use, teeth 68 face toward theinside of the material or fabric.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, snap element 54 is secured by arivet 70 or other fastener (see FIG. 13) which extends through a hole 72(FIG. 16) at the distal or free end of tongue 60. In an alternativeembodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, a snap element 74 is formedintegrally with tongue 60 at the distal end thereof. In the embodimentof FIG. 17, snap element 74 includes a recess 74 a having a centralopening 74 b. Four slots 74 c extend radially between the peripherallyof opening 74 b and the periphery of recess 74 a. Four circumferentialor arcuate slots 74 d are provided which extend between the ends ofslots 74 c and which terminate in the body of tongue 60, as shown.

[0044] Referring again to FIGS. 14 and 15, pocket or pouch 52, which isaffixed to backing member 58 by any suitable means such as an adhesive,rivets, or the like, advantageously includes at least one pleat 52 a toincrease the fullness thereof and as shown in FIG. 14, pleat 52 a mayhave graphics, denoted 52 b, thereof such as a product logo.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 16, pouch or pocket 52 advantageously includesan upper elasticized edge portion 52 c for gripping an article placed inpocket 52. As is also shown in FIG. 15, pocket or pouch 52, in anadvantageous implementation, further includes an outer pen holder pocket52 d (not shown in FIG. 14) for supporting a pen or other writingimplement. Other further specialized outer pockets (not shown) couldalso be provided.

[0046] In an alternative implementation of this embodiment of theinvention, tongue 60 can be omitted, and a separate snap fit elementgenerally corresponding to element 54 used in cooperation with snapmember 56 to affix pocket 52 to an article of apparel so as to supportpocket 52 on the person of a user. Preferably, the separate snap fitmember would be of a non-recessed or male type member generallycorresponding to that shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) although notnecessarily of that configuration, while, in this implementation, snapfit member 56 would be recessed and connected by one or more rivets tobacking member 58.

[0047] Although the invention has been described above in relation topreferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled inthe art that variations and modifications can be effected in thesepreferred embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of theinvention.

What is claimed:
 1. A removable storage device for enabling storage ofpersonal articles on the person of a user, said device comprising: firstand second snap fit elements, said first element including a recesstherein for receiving a portion of the second element as a snap fittherein so as to permit a portion of an article of clothing worn by theuser to be captured between said elements when said elements are snapfit together to thereby removably affix the elements to the article ofclothing, and one of said snap fit elements including supporting meansfor supporting at least one personal article thereon so that thepersonal article can be carried on the article of clothing.
 2. A storagedevice as claimed in claim 1 wherein said supporting means comprises amember mounted on said one element so as to create a space between saidmember and said one element for receiving at least a portion of thepersonal article.
 3. A storage device as claimed in claim 1 wherein saidsupporting means comprises a ring member.
 4. A storage device as claimedin claim 1 wherein said supporting means comprises a chain member.
 5. Astorage device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said supporting meanscomprises a pocket affixed to said one element.
 6. A storage device asclaimed in claim 1 wherein said supporting means comprises a D-ringaffixed to said one element.
 7. A storage device as claimed in claim 6wherein said second member comprises a front snap fit member adapted tobe disposed on the outside of the article of clothing and comprising afirst substantially cylindrical snap fit portion and a further, raisedfront portion to which said D-ring is affixed and said first elementcomprises a rear snap fit member adapted to be disposed on the inside ofthe article of clothing and including a substantially cylindrical recessfor, in use, receiving said substantially cylindrical snap fit portionof said second member.
 8. A storage device as claimed in claim 7 whereinsaid raised portion includes spaced raised parts defining a recessed gaptherebetween and receiving opposed ends of said D-ring.
 9. A storagedevice as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a connecting memberextending between said first and second elements and being foldable, inuse, around an edge portion of the article of clothing.
 10. A storagedevice as claimed in claim 9 wherein said connector member includesfirst and second openings in opposite end portions thereof forrespectively receiving said first and second snap fit elements.
 11. Astorage device as claimed in claim 9 wherein at least one of said snapfit elements is formed integrally with said connecting member.
 12. Astorage device as claimed in claim 9 wherein both of said snap fitelements are formed integrally with said connecting member.
 13. Astorage device as claimed in claim 9 wherein said supporting meanscomprises an article supporting portion of said connecting member.
 14. Astorage device as claimed in claim 13 wherein said supporting portioncomprises a backing member including one of said snap fit elements and apocket portion affixed to said backing member.
 15. A storage device asclaimed in claim 14 wherein said pocket portion includes an elasticizededge portion.
 16. A storage device as claimed in claim 14 wherein saidpocket portion includes at least one pleat therein.
 17. A storage deviceas claimed in claim 14 wherein said pocket portion includes an externalpocket for holding a writing implement.
 18. A storage device as claimedin claim 14 wherein said connecting member further comprises a tongueportion and a live hinge disposed between said tongue portion and saidbacking portion.
 19. A storage device as claimed in claim 18 whereinsaid tongue portion includes window therein for receiving anidentification tag.
 20. A storage device as claimed in claim 19 whereinsaid pocket portion includes at least one pleat therein.
 21. A storagedevice for enabling storage of personal articles on the person of a userof the device, said device comprising: a pocket portion for receivingpersonal articles, said pocket portion including a first snap fitelement; and a connecting portion hingedly affixed to said pocketportion and including a second snap fit element, one of said first andsecond snap fit elements including a recess therein for receiving a partof the other of said snap fit elements as a snap fit therein so as topermit a portion of an article of clothing worn by the user to becaptured between said first and second elements to thereby removablyaffix the elements, and thus the pocket portion, to the article ofclothing.